Mule Deer-An Icon of The American West

Growing up on the vibrant east coast, I never had the chance to encounter a Mule Deer. My very first encounter with these fascinating creatures came when I was out exploring the vast beauty of my new home state, eager to immerse myself in the great outdoors. As I wandered through the picturesque landscape, I saw a group of deer elegantly walking across the expansive open prairie land. Back east, we have countless white-tailed deer, which I had grown up seeing regularly. Initially, I thought these animals were simply another variation of the same species. My excitement level was relatively low, but I was still genuinely enjoying the serene moment of watching them move gracefully through the grass. I figured I would hang around for a bit, and if one of these intriguing creatures got close enough, I would be ready to snap a few pictures. As they got closer, I began to notice a few distinctive characteristics. Some of the bucks looked like they were sporting adorable Santa beards, a delightful sight indeed. Their antlers appeared small compared to the robust bucks I had seen in the past. My interest quickly began to increase. I eagerly picked up my camera and started to shoot, capturing moments as often as I could. I absolutely love taking pictures, but there's something incredibly special about taking pictures of something “new”—something fresh and unexpected. Finding these beautiful creatures was a genuine treat and helped me realize that I am in a new place filled with unique subjects just waiting to be captured through my lens.

Location: Commerce City, Colorado